All About Sustainability: Blogs and Resources
This month, we are spotlighting blogs and resources to help support the long-term sustainability of your organization.
Gain organizational tools for maximum impact. Photo by FlamingoImages
Running a successful Main Street program requires passion, dedication, and solid organizational systems. Learn how to identify and evaluate inefficient systems, and how to turn hurdles into helpers with Smart Systems for Main Street Success, a three-part, peer-instructor course starting December 3, 2025. Come with a desire to explore systems-based thinking and walk away with the clarity, structure, and confidence to lead with intention.
About this Course
This course is all about action. Through three dynamic sessions rooted in actionable learning, you will explore the importance of strong internal systems for Main Street success. Learn how to identify, evaluate, and resolve inefficient systems — from Board operations and financial management to everyday workflows and data collection. Gain access to ready-to-use tools, practical next steps, and resources you can adapt to your own program’s needs.
When: Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CT
Where: Virtual
Price: $100 members, $150 non-members
Key Takeaways:
- Evaluate and strengthen the internal systems that support effective Main Street operations, governance, and data management.
- Apply structured frameworks, strategies, and tools to streamline day-to-day processes, increase efficiency, and improve organizational sustainability.
- Integrate data, policy, and systems thinking to inform decision-making, strengthen advocacy, and demonstrate community impact.
Ideal For:
- Local Main Street directors and staff responsible for balancing vision and execution or managing daily operations, workflows, finances, data, and internal communications.
- Main Street Board and committee members looking to strengthen their governance systems and clarify roles, engagement, and accountability.
- Coordinator Program professionals seeking to model and teach systems-based thinking across their networks.
- Community or municipal partners who collaborate with or fund Main Street programs and want to increase efficiency through systems alignment.
Instructor: Hannah Davis, MSARP, is the Main Street Program Director for the Florence Downtown Development Corp. and the Development Manager for the City of Florence. She holds a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston and is a graduate of the Jekyll Island Management Institute, the SC Economic Development Institute, FMU Non-profit Leadership Institute.
Related News and Stories
This February in The Academy: Focus on Sustainability
From managing projects to supporting the people who are the heart of your efforts, sustainability is a crucial consideration for building a durable Main Street program. The Main Street America Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on sustainability with this curated collection of learning opportunities and resources.
Bardstown, Kentucky. Photo by Grizzly Media
New! Main Street America Board Handbook
A comprehensive overview of the Main Street Approach, board member fundamentals, and Main Street policies and procedures, as well as tools, resources, and templates to set boards up for success.
